In a fast-paced world where time is precious, the Specialty Food Association’s 2023 Today’s Specialty Food Consumer Report unveils a vibrant tapestry of snack and mealtime solutions tailored to the discerning tastes of The Elevated Maximisers and The Expressionists. As we delve into the latest trends, a captivating narrative emerges, revealing an industry on the cusp of a flavour revolution.
The report underscores the enduring appeal of convenience and value-added solutions, dictating consumer purchasing habits. With a keen eye on health and ethical considerations, all-natural and plant-based products are making significant strides, with the salty snacks category projected to surge to $8.3 billion by 2027. As the market expands, manufacturers adapt and innovate, incorporating sustainable sourcing, nutritional fortification, and flavour expansion to stand out in this competitive landscape.
For The Elevated Maximisers, the driving force is the desire to elevate the mundane and transform weeknight cooking into an experience. Enter global twists on familiar formats – easy-cook beans inspired by Moroccan, Thai, or Mexican dishes, providing excitement and accessibility. Innovators are breaking ground by introducing fresh, enticing flavours through global pantry staples in convenient, instant formats. This approach simplifies daily cooking and injects a sense of adventure into every meal.
The trend of satisfying snacks with added nutrition and protein boosts is gaining momentum. Recognizing the shift towards consuming smaller portions throughout the day, manufacturers are seizing the opportunity to craft snacks that are not only indulgent but also nutritionally dense. Protein fortification, sourced from clean, natural, and plant-based origins, takes centre stage. Ingredients like buckwheat, fava beans, and nopales appear in savoury snacks, offering a harmonious blend of flavour and health benefits. High-fiber, low-GI formulations promise balanced energy release, ensuring snacks are delicious and contribute to overall well-being. Beyond standalone snacks, innovators are integrating nutritious options into larger wildcard meals, encouraging consumers to embrace a holistic approach to dietary choices.
The Expressionists, on the other hand, are all about bold flavours and culinary experimentation. Multidimensional heat experiences are rising, with spice paired with sweet, sour, umami, and creamy elements to tantalize taste buds. Fruity infusions in hot sauces, spicy butter, and creamy condiments add layers of complexity to the palate. Enter chunky chilli condiments inspired by global traditions, introducing a sensory element that transcends traditional boundaries. The world of flavour expands even further with fermented spicy flavours like Japanese yuzu kosho and gochujang, providing innovative opportunities to incorporate complex heat into food and drink.
As innovators seek to build environmentally conscious products, processes, and packaging, sustainability takes centre stage. Brands committed to sustainability are embracing regenerative agriculture to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity and soil health. Third-party sustainability certifications act as beacons of trust for consumers navigating the crowded marketplace. Next-generation value-added technologies creatively upcycle waste streams into functional and nutritional ingredients, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility and consumer well-being. Refillable packaging emerges as a standout solution, allowing brands to captivate consumers with elaborate yet guilt-free packaging. Plant-based sensorial replicas, carefully crafted to deliver taste, texture, and mouthfeel, appeal to consumers seeking indulgence and ethical consumption.
For those seeking mature and complex drinking experiences without the accompanying effects of alcohol, innovative non-alcoholic classics are on the rise. Mixers, sparkling beverages, and juice-based drinks offer alternatives for those exercising moderation. Tea emerges as a sophisticated alternative, lending nuanced flavours and bitterness that stand on par with traditional alcoholic beverages. Sugar reduction and savoury-leaning flavour profiles elevate juices into versatile options for various drinking occasions.
Which of these trends would be suitable for your brand? We are all ears!
